New Orleans: Pat O'Briens

The famous Hurricane

Ah, Pat O'Briens. Home of the original “hurricane” (pictured above), this bar/lounge/courtyard restaurant also happens to be Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith’s favourite place. Like, ever. 

The food was good, but more importantly, it wasn’t deep fried! Andrea and I shared a Lemon-Vodka Shrimp Pasta and a Shrimp Creole. And I also enjoyed how their mains came with a salad. And a proper salad, not just a few iceberg lettuce leaves arranged loosely on a plate. This Caesar had honestly the most parmesan cheese I have ever seen on a salad.

Their surprisingly good Caesar

 I think between all of us at the table (there were about 12 of us there) we managed to order most of the menu, but as we were also in quite a rush (we had a ghost tour to catch!) I didn't have time to leisurely do my usual food photography and just did a few shots before scarfing down the food.

Heather's Shrimp Rémoulade Salad

Amanda's gumbo

Shrimp Creole

Lemon Vodka Shrimp Pasta

P.S.- They will add $3 to your bill for the price of the "souvenir glass" that your drink comes in, but you can just take it back to the counter to get that back.
P.P.S- There is an awesome fountain that lights up at night!
P.P.P.S.- This is the go-to place to get drinks before and after a trip to the famous "Preservation Hall", which is the original home of jazz in New Orleans (and does not serve drinks) as we learned a few nights later after this dinner!
P.P.P.P.S.- Their downstairs courtyard restrooms are kind of lovely, wheras their upstairs ones (designated for the bar) can be a little scary, but have more room, as there is a vanity and a lady there designated to maintain order and cleanliness.